I know we are past halfway through March, but hope late is better than never. Though life is busy, even hectic, a life without reading is dreary, especially in February.
1. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen.
I thought I had read it before and do like to reread an Austen every year, but as I passed the first few chapters, the scenes and characters became new and I began to believe I must have begun, but never finished it some time in the distant past. It is now one of my favorite Austen books. I watched the movie afterward and think that perhaps the director had also never read past page 35 or so.
2. The Essays by Francis Bacon.
Of course I’ve heard this man quoted and referenced all my life, and my son enjoyed him in high school, but I just had the pleasure of spending a few months slowly reading the wisdom of this Elizabethan era sage. I was delighted to discover how easy the essays were to read, but though precisely and smoothly written, contain mountains of material to digest. I believe reading one a week would be a wiser approach and I do intend to go back through these gems more slowly. Here is excellent writing to have your high schoolers immerse themselves in, and ageless truths about us all.
3. Practicing History by Barbara Tuchman.
You will hear more from me of this book. I am a fan of Tuchman, but her personal revelations about the puzzles and perils of being a history writer were delightful insights into her amazing mind. This book has many of her classic articles and essays, as well as some by history writers she admired.
4. The Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling.
I set out a year ago to reread this series as it had been ten years since the first time through and I wondered how I would feel a decade later. Due to the shortage of Braille copies, the second novel didn’t arrive for eight months from the time of my request. This book was a perfect way to relax in the evenings of a demanding month, and probably more enjoyable than the first time I read it. Where have the Harry Potters gone?
For the joy of reading,
Liz
Thanks for this post! I love knowing what you're reading. I have a copy of Bacon's essays that I found at Goodwill, of all places. You've reminded me about it, and I'm motivated to open it once I finish Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship, which I've been slowly rereading since September =)
Janet,
I was just compiling this month's list when I got this. Thank you for reminding me of Bonhoeffer, today, as I needed to remember some of his life lessons most particularly. Thanks for writing.
Liz